Making the Banner Less Lonely This Christmas: Gifts for people in Direct Provision

by | Dec 6, 2023 | Current, Members News, PPN News | 0 comments

Make the Banner Less Lonely This Christmas:

 

Clare Solidarity Network’s Secret Santa for Adults Living in Direct Provision in County Clare

Clare Solidarity Network (CSN) are calling for support from people living in Clare for their Christmas Present Collection for Adults living in Direct Provision in County Clare. The network are asking members of the public who can spare a few euros this Christmas to purchase gifts suitable for adults, both women and men, with a maximum value of €15 each.

The reason that these gifts are for adults is that Santa has been already been working very closely on logistics with his elves to make sure that all children in these centres will receive their own Christmas presents.

How do I give a gift: These gifts can be dropped off in Clare PPN’s offices in Clonroad Business Park, Ennis on Friday the 15th and Saturday the 16th December between 11 am and 4 pm each day. All gifts should be donated unwrapped.

What should I get: CSN suggests that nice socks, stylish jocks 😊 shaving kits, personal hygiene sets, sweets, biscuits, chocolates, selection boxes, hats and scarves, aftershave, body lotions, perfume or other similar items including vouchers would be welcome. All presents should be donated unwrapped.

The group would also welcome donations of wrapping paper, sellotape and pre-written cards particularly from children who might like to draw or write a message of welcome on them.

For more information on giving a gift please call 087 6175587.

The gifts will be delivered by CSN volunteers to direct provision and emergency accommodation centres around Clare in Christmas week.

Noirin Lynch, of CSN said, ‘many thousands of us in Clare have been away from home at Christmas and we know what it’s like. We are asking Clare people to help us offer a small gift- to the adults who have come to Clare seeking refugee status. While we know that people come from many different religions and traditions, we are also aware that they are long way from their homes and many are living in accommodation centres and hotels where they will miss the personal comforts and coziness of home and these gifts will be a nice way to include them in our traditional winter celebration’.

Another member of CSN Kieran Burke said ‘lots of the people who’ve recently come to Clare are very young men and women and there’s a lot of pressure on them in trying to live in rural areas of Clare in accommodation centres without the social and family networks we have, and this idea is one small act against loneliness, to make sure they know someone here thought of them at this time of year.’

CSN is a voluntary group of people living in Clare who came together to welcome newcomers to the county and they carry out various social activities for Clare people and new arrivals in the community.

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‘Solidarity Shindig’ an opportunity for people in Clare to meet new arrivals

‘Solidarity Shindig’ an opportunity for people in Clare to meet new arrivals

by | Aug 1, 2023 | Current, Members News, National, PPN News

‘Solidarity Shindig’ an opportunity for people in Clare to meet new arrivals


– Party in Ennis at 4pm on Saturday 5th August to feature drumming workshop, Kizomba dancing, Nepalese music, DJ and ‘pot luck’ meal –

The organisers of a ‘Solidarity Shindig’ in Ennis this Bank Holiday Saturday say it will be an opportunity for people in Clare to meet and get to know some of the Banner County’s newest residents, including people seeking International Protection.

The party, from 4pm-7pm this Saturday 5th August, will include a drumming workshop with West Clare musician Brian Fleming, Kizomba dancing, Nepalese traditional music and a DJ. Food will be served, and people are encouraged to bring their own food to share, ‘pot luck’ style.

People from across Clare are invited to attend the party at Unit 7, Tracklands Business Park, V95 K6F6.

Sarah Clancy, co-ordinator of the Clare Public Participation Network, one of 12 groups involved in the event, said:
“This party is a way of saying ‘Welcome’, but it also a great opportunity for people to get to know some of Clare’s newest residents. Those of us involved in the various groups behind this event have enjoyed getting to know many of these new arrivals in recent years.

“We’re aware that many people in Clare haven’t had the chance to meet new members of their community. This event will be one opportunity to get to know people who can make a great contribution to the local communities they are joining.”

The Solidarity Shindig follows a successful event in Miltown Malbay recently at which about 60 local people welcomed new arrivals to the Central Hostel in the West Clare town.

This Saturday, residents from Direct Provision centres across Clare will gather to meet with representatives of MASI – the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland. Following this meeting, the Solidarity Shindig will begin at 4pm.

The event is supported by Clare Immigrant Support Centre, Clare Leader Forum, Clare Local Development Company, Clare PPN, Clare Solidarity Network, Clare Traveller CDP, CATU Clare, Fáilte Isteach Clare, Mna Ag Gaire, the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland, Quare Clare LGBTQ+ and Women’s Collective Ireland Clare.